2017 NPF

Championship Series

News

Lisle, Ill.  After starting the homestand off with a bang against the Akron Racers, the Chicago Bandits were looking to pick up their third straight win of the series. Taking control in the circle for the night was righty, Jessica Sallinger. Coming into game, Sallinger was 2-1 on the season for the Bandits. After seven straight innings of precision pitching, Sallinger was able to pick up her third win of the season, as well as the Bandits third win of the season over the 2005 NPF champions. Sallinger ended the game striking out four, while only giving up six hits. Due to her dominating pitching performance this evening, Sallinger was named the Bandits Player of the Game for the night.

The game started early as the Racers were able to push one across as leadoff batter, Iyhia McMichael, started the inning off with a standup double down the leftfield line. McMichael would then advance to third on the sacrifice bunt by Kristin Johnson to the right side. With McMichael now on third, Akron called on Caitlin Benyi for the early suicide bunt, allowing McMichael to safely score at home. Leaving the first, Akron led 1-0.

Entering the bottom of the third, the Bandits were able to jump on the board with a bang. To ignite the Bandits offense, Anne Steffan earned a crucial walk for the squad. She would later advance on her own by stealing second with her blazing speed. With Steffan now in scoring position, Trena Peel took advantage by ripping a single up the middle. Peel would eventually continue to second as Akron centerfielder, Iyhia McMichael, bobbled the ball when returning it to the infield. As Nicole Trimboli stepped to the plate, the Bandits once again had a runner on second in scoring position. Trimboli brought in the Bandits second run of the evening by lining a ball down the leftfield line, past Akron outfielder, Kim Gonzalez. With Peel coming into score, the Bandits would take their first lead of the game 2-1.

After another evening of intense pitching and defensive softball, the Bandits were able to pull out the 2-1 win with clutch hitting in the third by Peel and Trimboli. So far, all three games of the series have been barnburners to the very end. Tomorrows game looks to be another close match-up between these two forceful teams.

The Bandits will return tomorrow afternoon for the forth, and final game of the season against the Akron Racers at 3:05 p.m.